THAT in sign language

How to sign "that" and phrases in American Sign Language (ASL)?

Basics

Definition: used to refer to a person, object, idea, etc. that is separated from the speaker by space or time; used to refer to something that has been mentioned or was involved earlier, or to something that is already known about.

Pronunciation (production): Dominant "Y" (handshape), palm generally down (orientation), in space (location), moves downward (movement).

Grammar: The THAT sign may be inflected with the subject-determiner agreement.

Pronunciation (production): Dominant "Y" (handshape), palm generally down (orientation), moves downward (movement) onto the non-dominant flat-B with palm up (location).

Formal citation; the passive palm in this ASL sign is not frequently used, usually signing THAT without the passive hand. Signing THAT with the passive palm may be used in some circumstances. E.g. "IX-he TOLD ME THAT [emphasis]..." Or, "THAT's WHY".

Basic grammar

In English, two determiners "this" and "that" are used depending on the referents in a sentence, while the determiner in ASL is locative in specific to a referent.

Meaning: that (determiner).

This signed determiner "that" can be a general locative or a locative-specific agreement in a sentence.

The ASL sign/word THAT can be locally inflected in agreement with the subject or object.

Beyond basics

The gloss for this sign is usually noted as "THAT-ONE" or "THAT-IX". A link to the post explaining this usage and complex explanation will be added shortly.

Phrase: THAT!

In Deaf ASL-speaking culture, "THAT!" is often used by fluent and native Deaf signers.

Meaning: That!

It may be used at the end of a sentence or within a paragraph after something is explained or clarified. That!

In other contexts, the plural signword "THAT+++!" is used to convey something like "yes, exactly!", "yes, that's the whole point!", "yes, exactly that!" and such.

Usage/Grammar

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Some word entries have one of some tidbits in this section, such as minimal pairs of sign words, rhymes, etc. usually related to or associated with its word entry.

Written ASL

[Note: ASL writing is not an official standard. This sign language writing remains in a state of open space to allow room for experiment, evolution, and improvement.]

ASL writing for THAT

ASLwrite (2016) for THAT.

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